Restaurants partner to feed workers combating virus outbreak

MARION, Ill. (AP) - A group of award-winning barbecue restaurants in southern Illinois are coming together to provide meals for health care employees and other workers battling on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hands of Hope foundation will collaborate with the eateries through a program called Operation BBQ'd Hope to provide meals for about 4,000 people at Heartland Regional Medical Center, Herrin Hospital, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital and Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

The group served their first meal last Tuesday at Heartland, The Southern Illinoisan reported. More meals are planned for May 5 in Murphysboro and May 7 in Carbondale.

Rev. Troy Benitone, the foundation's executive director, said the idea was sparked by a desire to help his daughter, a Tennessee-based intensive care nurse. He then contacted barbecue caterers in southern Illinois: Amy Mills of 17th Street Barbecue; Bob Fombelle of Great Boars of Fire near Cobden; Ryan Jeralds of Chuck's BBQ in Herrin; Sam and Gail Blue of Big Blues Que; and Blake at Rileys Smokehouse in Marion.

They raised money to fund the dinners and the foundation provided the proteins and main ingredients. The restaurants share their knowledge, in addition to staples such as salt, sugar and spices. Volunteers prepare desserts.

'œEach one is a certified food handler, so they know how to serve safely,'ť Benitone said. 'œI don't get to feed my daughter, but I do get to feed people like her."

The foods include brisket from BBQ Heroes, pulled pork and beans from 17th Street and Great Boars of Fire, and chicken and potato salad from Chuck's BBQ.

Heartland Regional Medical Center CEO Ed Cunningham said the meal had an impact before it was even served.

'œI will tell you, it's raising spirits," he added. 'œI walk through every morning between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. and everyone was excited about the meal.'ť